Behaviour Support Sector Losing Staff to Better-Paid Alternatives
Behaviour support providers across Australia are reporting unprecedented staff turnover—40% annually. Experienced workers are moving to aged care (paying $60K+) and early childhood education ($55-65K) where NDIS-funded behaviour support jobs ($45-55K) cannot compete.
Why The Exodus
Wage gap: A behaviour support worker can earn 15-20% more in aged care with similar duties but less regulatory scrutiny.
Complexity burden: NDIS participants referred to behaviour support are increasingly high-acuity (forensic histories, untreated mental illness, trauma). The clinical demand is higher than in aged care, but the pay is lower.
Burnout trajectories: Turnover is accelerating. Workers stay 3-4 years on average, down from 5-7 years pre-COVID. Newer hires leave within 6 months at higher rates.
Unsafe conditions: Violence against workers is rising. Some providers lack adequate training and supervision protocols.
What Providers Are Doing
Some are raising wages ahead of the 2026-27 price guide increases, betting that relief will come. Others are reducing service capacity to match available staff. A few are exiting the sector entirely.
Downstream Impact
Behaviour support waitlists are growing. Participants approved for behaviour support funding are being told to wait 8+ weeks. Continuity of care breaks down as staff rotate.
The NDIA's signal of price increases for 2026-27 suggests recognition of the crisis. But the sector may not stabilise before more providers exit.